Arsenal promise Real Madrid star significant first-team role if he snubs Manchester City to join them - Reports
Arsenal have reportedly assured Real Madrid striker Rodrygo Goes of a prominent first-team role if he snubs Manchester City to arrive at the Emirates. The 23-year-old is currently on international duty with Brazil at the 2024 Copa America in the United States.
Rodyrgo has been a key first-team player at the Santiago Bernabeu, contributing 54 goals and 41 assists in 216 games across competitions. Last season, he bagged 17 goals and nine assists in 51 outings across competitions as Carlo Ancelotti's side won three titles, including the La Liga and UEFA Champions League.
However, with the arrival of Kylian Mbappe and his compatriot Endrick, Rodrygo could see diminished game time in the first team. With Manchester City also in the fray, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta has 'promised' Rodrygo that he would be a key first-team player at the Emirates, as reported by London World.
The same publication reports that City are contemplating an ambitious move for Rodrygo by sending Kevin De Bruyne and Julian Alvarez the other way. It's currently unknown whether Rodrygo is looking to move out this summer, but his current contract expires next summer.
A look at Real Madrid, Arsenal and Manchester City's 2023-24 seasons
Arsenal, Manchester City and Real Madrid are coming off successful 2023-24 campaigns. While City and Madrid won their respective league titles, the Gunners came in second in the Premier League, behind the Cityzens.
Pep Guardiola's side won an unprecedented Premier League four-peat, a first in English football history, and also the first team to win six titles in seven years. However, they fell 2-1 to Manchester United in the FA Cup final, squandering the chance to become the first English team to win consecutive league doubles.
In the UEFA Champions League, their title defence ended with a shootout defeat to eventual champions Real Madrid in the quarterfinals. Carlo Ancelotti's side also won the Supercopa Espana, losing just twice all year, both times to Atletico Madrid on the road.
The Gunners, meanwhile, finished second to City for the second straight year, finishing two points behind. Although they fell early in both domestic cups, Mikel Arteta's side reached their first UEFA Champions League quarterfinal in 14 years, losing 3-2 on aggregate to Bayern Munich.